Mushroom Farming for Sustainability: Enhancing Rural Livelihoods and Agriculture in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study based on a literature review and a questionnaire survey aim to analysis the potential of sustainable mushroom farming in Bangladesh. The study analyses some published studies from 2007-2015 and a larger number of published studies from 2015-2024 to consider modern perspectives, which shed light on the actions, challenges, opportunities, and sustainable agricultural practices of rural communities to increase mushroom cultivation in Bangladesh. In addition, 16 interviews were conducted with 4 households involved in mushroom cultivation to delve deeper into the research, which shed light on the challenges, economic benefits, sustainability, and environmental impacts of mushroom cultivation in rural areas of Bangladesh, and the involvement of women and youth. The study emphasizes the economic, food, and nutrition security, unemployment problem resolution, employment generation, youth empowerment, and household income enhancement of mushroom cultivation in rural areas of Bangladesh. The study is concluded with some recommendations for steps to expand mushroom cultivation among all rural communities in Bangladesh, increase household income while ensuring food and nutritional security, create employment for educated unemployed youth, and promote sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and empowerment. Following these recommendations, future research efforts can play a role in developing effective and sustainable management strategies that can ensure the growth of mushroom cultivation among rural communities through sustainable Practices.